TPT January 2024

ARTICLE

Schwarze-Robitec GmbH

Smooth surfaces and a robust process With the two tube bending machines in its Aircraft Edition, Schwarze-Robitec ensures extremely precise bending results. “The accuracy can be increased even further through targeted control of the axes and amounts to ±0.05mm,” explained Mr Knobloch. “For the orientation angle and bending accuracy, the result is 0.05°.” The tube bending machines are designed for use under continuous and long-term stress. The robust design enables reliable operation without malfunctions or unnecessary process interruptions, something that is particularly advantageous in countries with weak infrastructure, where there is no close knit network of specialist companies on standby in the event of disruptions. “The results speak for themselves: Ovality is less than three per cent and the surfaces are excellent – completely wrinkle- and scratch-free,” emphasises the founder of TDM. “At the same time, we achieve very precise results with low tolerances even with our most complicated tube geometry with 16 bends.” Ongoing support Before TDM contracted Schwarze-Robitec with supplying the two tube bending machines in 2019, a preliminary acceptance test was carried out at the German machine manufacturer’s plant in Cologne, Germany. Based on the machining of ten selected components, the bending machine manufacturer ensured that all specifications were met and already delivered flawless bending results there. In addition to the two tube bending machines, Schwarze-Robitec supplied a photometric measuring cell that can be used to determine tube geometries, lengths between bends, bending angles and other important parameters

Schwarze-Robitec GmbH The company, founded in 1903, is one of the leading international experts in the sector of tube cold bending machines. At its headquarters in Cologne, Germany the manufacturer currently employs 100 staff. The company is represented worldwide via long-term partner enterprises. Schwarze-Robitec has been active in North America for 40 years. It has had its own branch office in the region since 2015. The bending specialist already manufactured the world’s first CNC-controlled tube bending machine back in 1977. To date, more than 3,000 machines have been sold – some of them have been used in production for more than 35 years. The Schwarze-Robitec product range includes, in addition to tube bending machines and bending tools, tube perforating machines, measuring stations, solutions in the area of special machinery construction, as well as fully automatic bending cells. The reference list of the tube bending expert includes, without exception, all renowned leading manufacturers from the automotive industry, energy sector as well as shipbuilding.

The tube bending machines are designed for use under permanent and long-term stress

TDM then put the bending machines from Schwarze-Robitec into operation in Casablanca in early 2020. Included in the delivery was a photometric measuring cell that can be used to determine tube geometries, lengths between bends, bending angles and other important parameters. Following the commissioning, TDM employees received extensive on-site training, with follow-up training taking place several months later. “One of the biggest challenges was that we had to implement production here on site without skilled workers,” emphasised Mr Viehrig. “This meant that training was crucially important for us. In Schwarze-Robitec, we found a reliable partner who actively supported us beyond delivery and commissioning.” The supplier-customer relationship, he explains, is open, honest, trustful and transparent. At Schwarze-Robitec, customer proximity is an integral part of the package, even across distances. Hence, the experienced service team is on hand to identify and solve potential problems remotely or to carry out maintenance and repair work directly on site. Over the next few years, the Tier 1 supplier intends to expand its capacities and is therefore planning to install up to three more tube bending machines. In doing so, TDM hopes to continue working with the experienced specialist from Germany.

Schwarze-Robitec GmbH – Germany sales@schwarze-robitec.com www.schwarze-robitec.com

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JANUARY 2024